Making the Most of Counseling Time
Steven C. Riser, associate pastor at Clairmont Presbyterian Church in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, makes two simple requirements of those who want his counseling help:
1. In order to receive private ministry (counseling), you must also come regularly for public ministry (preaching and teaching).
2. In order to apply what is discussed in the session, you must complete the homework assignment before the next counseling appointment.
What if the person doesn't do the homework? That's not a problem, because Riser books the next appointment only after the homework has been done. "Call my secretary when you've finished doing this workbook," he will tell an engaged couple, "and she will be glad to set you up for our next time together." In this way, there's never an awkward confrontation with a person who has neglected to follow through.
"I try to show people my limitations as a counselor," Riser adds. "I can do very little if the person doesn't 'take the medicine' that's prescribed.
"The truth is, I'm probably doing less than half the counseling I would otherwise do, and with twice the results. People take the process seriously, because they see that we do more than sit and chat; we're about the business of Christian maturing."
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